Maureen and Tweets

The Umtanum Rd boxes are managed by the Yakima AS. Betsy Martin is the
keeper of the data and co-ordinator of volunteers. There is a set of
boxes on Durr Rd that are privately managed. I am not sure of the exact
total as I have never done the lower half of the route. Boxes are
numbered 1 - 125; but I have two boxes numbered with letter suffix (88
and 88a) I think the count is around 130.

I, myself, like the wrens and do not see that they are impacting the
boxes that I have inspected ( 13 empty boxes this week) Plenty of room
for all as far as I can see. I will need to see the boxes on the lower
(1 - 63) half of the trail July 2-5. I can understand that a NEW trail
might want to avoid wrens and their tendency to build dummy nests in
every box available.

When I started the project a few years ago it was suggested that nest
STARTS be removed but I have never been faced with that option. Betsy
has not suggested that be done. ( house sparrows are a different
matter). I have never addressed this issue with her though.(dont ask,
dont tell)

Best regards
Marti Anderson
manderson at snblusa.com